Improved velocipede



E. A LEWIS. Velocipede.

Patented Oct. 26, 1869.

S HIHHHHHIHIUIIIIHHlILU [i i l I 1 chimiexam pane (ittflitr;

Letters Patent No. 96,124, dated-October 26, 1869.

IMPROVED VELOCIPEDE.

The Schedule referred to in these Letters Patent and making part of the same To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, EDWARD A. LEWIS, of St. Charles, in the county of St. Charles, and State of Missouri, have invented a new and improved Velocipede; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, which will diameter of the circle to be described by the foot.

The invention consists in the use of sliding cranks, which project from both sides of the shaft.

One end of each crank is guided by a fixed eccentric groove or track, in such manner that the crankpin is moved away from the shaft as long as thepower is applied to the same by the foot. Vhen the power is not required, on the return stroke, the crank-pin is drawn close to the shaft, and thus, without describing a. large circle, the crank -lever is made longer than usual, when. required.

A, in the drawing, represents the steering-post of a velocipede;

B is the front or driving-axle of the same; and

G, the driving-wheel.

To the post A is secured, on each side of the heel,

an eccentric ring or grooved plate, I), which serves as. a track for a small roller, (1, on one end of the sliding crank E,

Each crank E is fitted through a slot in the end of the shaft B, so that it can slide therein.

That end of each crank which'is opposite to the pin a, has the suitable crank-pin b.

The eccentric plates, or rings, are so set that their centres are the greatest distance away from the shaft B, in front of the same, and nearest to it in rear, as shown. Y

' The power is applied to the crank-pin in front, and then thepin a is in rear, and near to the shaft, holding the other end far from the shaft, and producing a long crank.

\Vhen the power is not used, the crank-pin is drawn near to the shaft. Thus, a twelve-inch crankbar can produce a nine or ten-inch working-crank, while the crank-pin describes a circle of not more than twelve v I inches dian'ieter. Herctofore, a twelve-inch circle was described by a six-inch crank. Greater leverage and power are thus obtained by my invention.

Having thus described my invention,

1 claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent-' The sliding crank E, having the guide-pins a, in combination with the fixed eccentric ring or track I), to operate substantially as herein shown and described.

ED'WI). A. LEWIS.

Witnesses Geo. W. MABEE, ALEX. 1+. Ronnn'rs. 

